Park Terrace Elementary
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for attending our Curriculum Night last Thursday. We doubled our participation from last year! We love having families into our building to learn more about what’s happening during the school day and make connections with one another. Thank you to our PTO for donating pizza for our teachers to have a quick dinner before the event.
We had our first pulse check with families last week. Thank you so much to all of you who shared your experiences. Your perspectives definitely help us know where we’re doing well and areas that we can improve upon. Ninety six percent of families reported feeling happy with their experience at Park Terrace. Here are some themes from the feedback:
- Praise for kind, caring staff who make students and families feel welcomed and supported
- Appreciation for teachers and staff who provide meaningful learning experiences and encourage students to grow
- Questions about opportunities for science and library time during the school week
- Input on helping families stay informed about school meals and students’ nutrition during the day
We are celebrating Homecoming Week by having dress up days this week. So far, we’ve had pajama and sports days. Thursday is wacky day and Friday is SLP Panther spirit day. Thanks for having your children join in on the fun. Consider attending the Homecoming football game on Friday night. Go, Panthers!
Our first PTO meeting is October 7 at 5 p.m. Please join us for the chance to learn more about the school, find ways to support our students and staff, and build relationships with other families. We hope to see you there!
Thanks!
Lindsay
Stay Connected with Career & College Pathways
Our Career & College Pathways connect students with real-world learning and opportunities to help prepare them for life after high school. Our three pathways — Business and Entrepreneurship; Technology, Engineering and Design; and Health and Human Services — give students opportunities to explore careers, build skills and connect what they are learning in the classroom to the world beyond school.
Do you work in a career within one of these pathways? Do you know someone who does? We’re always looking to connect with people in these areas who may have ideas, expertise, industry experience or connections to share.
Join us for the upcoming Advisory Meeting & Classroom Visits on October 27: We're hosting industry partners for an Advisory Meeting & Classroom Visits on Tuesday, October 27, 7:15-9 a.m. at Spring Lake Park High School. This informal morning is an opportunity to hear what our teachers are doing, share ideas and best practices from your industry or area of expertise, and visit classrooms in the programs that interest you.
Stay in the know: Sign up for our monthly Community & Industry Partner Newsletter to hear about student stories, program highlights and upcoming opportunities to get involved in Career and College Pathways.
Interested in receiving the monthly newsletter, attending the October 27 meeting, or simply learning more? Contact Eric Van Brocklin, Lead for Community Partnerships & Career Advising, at evanbr@district16.org.
New Course Connects Students to the World of Technology
What’s happening when you tell a robot to move from Point A to Point B?
Students in Spring Lake Park High School's new Machine & Technology Essentials class are finding out. While working in Scratch, a beginner's coding software, students are learning how to give a machine instructions to help the robot make its way through a maze. Coding is just one small piece of what students will learn in the new, trimester-long elective for grades 9-12.
This hands-on course introduces students to coding, mechatronics, cybersecurity and networking, helping them see how software, machines and technology work together. Along the way, students build technical skills, collaborate on projects and explore potential careers in the technology field.
The class is designed to meet students where they are, whether they come in with technical experience or are trying these skills for the first time. At the heart of course, students are getting the opportunity to try, explore and develop curiosity.
Read the full story to see how this new course is connecting students to the world of technology.
Step into Grover’s Corners this fall as Spring Lake Park High School presents Thornton Wilder’s beloved classic "Our Town." Through humor, heart and poignant moments, the play celebrates the everyday experiences of family, love, marriage and community. Performed in the round with minimal sets and props, this timeless story comes to life up close and personal.
Director Kevin Dutcher is thrilled to bring this beloved classic back to the SLP stage for the first time in 12 years. “Come sit a spell with us in Grovers Corners and warm your heart and soul.” Purchase Our Town tickets
Performance Dates:
- Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31 at 12 p.m.
“Fuel Up” for Panthers
We’re keeping the Panther Pride going at Hy-Vee’s Fast N’ Fresh! Two fuel pumps are dedicated to representing Spring Lake Park Schools, and every time you fill your tank at these special pumps, 2¢ from every gallon goes back to support our schools. Next time you’re in the area, swing by, fuel up and help drive our schools forward!
